Prep football two-a-days: Carbon

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Carbon coach Jeff Blanc identified two trouble spots that led in large part to the team's 1-9 season when he examined the 2012 season.

Turnovers and a defense that spent too much time on the field.

With that in mind, Blanc opted to scrap the spread offense the Dinos used last year and go back to the traditional I formation this season.

"I think it will fit our personnel better this year and allow us to use our strength at running back," Blanc said. "I think this will help cut down on our turnovers, and if we are successful with a ball-control offense, it will keep our defense off the field. And we will be able to wear other teams down."

The running game should get a boost from an offensive line that returns four starters. Tyler Herrera, Caleb Nelson, Talon Nelson and Marcus Santi are back in addition to the emergence of Zach Barney.

Dominic Rondinelli and Dallyn Mower should benefit from an improved line. Both players will see the bulk of the carries at running back.

When the Dinos go to the air, quarterback Jarod Lessar will look for Zach Hathaway, Kyle Barrett and Garrett Blanc.

Blanc and Mower will team up to make a formidable linebacking tandem on a defense that will feature players pulling double-duty on offense as well.

"We're still a young team. We will be playing a lot of juniors," coach Blanc said. "We need to work on our consistency. Last year we lost three games in the fourth quarter. We hope that this year we can turn those games into wins." 

Carbon Dinos

ASSIGNMENT • Class 3A North

LAST YEAR • 1-9 overall, 0-5 Region 12

KEY RETURNER • Garrett Blanc. He was among the leaders in tackles at linebacker last year and will aid the Dinos in an offense that will be more run-oriented this year.

PLAYER TO WATCH • Zach Barney. He's a senior offensive lineman who has been a leader in the weight room and also will be one on the field.

BIGGEST HOLE • Depth. Carbon has experience returning, but those players will be going both ways, so injuries at key positions would be doubly costly.

NEED TO KNOW • Turnover trend. The Dinos have changed their offense in an effort to cut down on turnovers and establish a more ball-control offense.

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